1. Have a good cry.
When I’m sad, I give myself time and permission to really feel my feelings and sob. After a good crying jag, I feel cleansed from the inside out. There’s no shame in letting your tears flow—it’s a healthy way to release intense emotions instead of bottling them up.
2. Write about it.
Writing your thoughts and worries down on paper can help you look at them from a new perspective and understand them better. You might even arrive at a solution that you couldn’t see before.
3. Spend time with yourself.
Removing yourself from a situation that’s making you feel bad and giving yourself a chance to calm down and take care of yourself is an excellent way to help you cope with a shitty situation. Meditate, do some bedroom dancing, play your favorite video game, go for a run—do whatever it is that makes you feel like yourself again.
4. Spend time with your friends.
Because while alone time is important, you don’t want to get stuck there. Even if you have to force yourself the first couple of times, make an effort to get out there and discover the world around you. Or invite people over and do all your favorite slumber-party activities: pull everything out of your closet for a dress-up session, watch scary movies, play truth or dare, dye each other’s hair, etc. Make a bushel of happy new memories to overtake the sad ones.
5. Talk it out.
Whom you talk to is important: Make sure it’s a supportive friend or family member who’s good at listening, or a professional like a therapist or counselor. Whenever I’m anxious or sad, talking about it with someone I trust makes a huge difference. It speeds up my acceptance of my circumstances and my ability to come up with solutions.
6. Get moving.
Whether it’s bike riding, bedroom dancing, running, yoga, or whatever sport or activity you enjoy, physical activity has been shown to make you feel happier and more relaxed. It’s also fun!
7. Get crafty.
Creativity and imagination give you the power to transform reality. You can channel all your feelings into making something beautiful (or beautifully ugly, if that’s how you’re feeling).
8. Eat something yummy.
Though some people try to dispute this fact, those people are wrong: Stuffing your face with treats can make you feel better at any time! And if you like cooking or baking, that process can be comforting in and of itself—and you get delicious food to eat when you’re done!
9. Distract yourself.
Watch funny animal videos on the internet, play your favorite video game, do anything that you know is going to keep you away from your negative thoughts. (Believe me, animal videos can work miracles!)
10. Sleep.
Tomorrow will be a new day! Sleeping is good for your immune system and your mood, so a nap might just be the best medicine when you’re down. And who knows: Maybe you’ll get to go somewhere cool in your dreams—somewhere far, far away from whatever’s ailing you. ♦
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Rookie is an online magazine and book series for teenagers. Each month, a different editorial theme drives the writing, photography, and artwork that we publish. Learn more about us here, and find out how to submit your work here!
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21 Comments
your photos are always my favourite <3
maria you are the best :’)
Firstly, totally needed this. Reminders on how to cheer up are always relevant and appreciated — if anything, necessary.
Secondly, I must thank you for indulging me in this aesthetic galore — great shots.
this is so beautiful! and necessary, too. going to be doing all of these next time I feel kinda down! <3
I love these.
These are so good to remember and keep in mind, I’ve been a bit blue lately and it’s definitely given me some ideas :)
Lovely photos and so true! Thanks :)
Hahahahaha! Now I can’t stop thinking of that poor lil’ chihuahua that got stuck in the couch. That poor little cute thang!
Are you telling us to watch vids were cute animals are having rough times? Hahaha jk.
Beautiful pics María Fernanda!
I needed this- next time I’m down, I’m trying the get moving idea!
I’m such a big fan of yours, Maria Fernanda! Your shoots are consistently brilliant.
Oh my goodness!!! I’m in love with these photos! So many good feels. Thanks so much for sharing these spot on tricks for getting happy (there’s nothing like a good bedroom dancing to shake dem blues away!)
This is definitely what I need at this point of life. I am going to go through this everytime I feel down or sad.
I love this. Currently, I’m trying to cope with the fact that my boyfriend will be moving and going to college 4 hours away from me; my senior year is approaching, and everything really IS a “Great Unknown” for me. Thank you for sharing this.
Glad I’m not the only bedroom dancer
This is just wonderful in so many ways.
When I’m in a mood I draw. This guide is so handy!
Yesterday afternoon I did a very hard thing.
After a summer of being in love with someone, and thinking he felt the same, I found out this boy (4 years older than me, I might add) was in a relationship with another college girl. I went to his house to drop off that sweater he lent me on a lovely evening, only to find him sick, with his new girl cooking for him.
I said maybe 7 words to him, then left and had a good cry.
Then I talked to my best friend about it.
Went to play frisbee with a group of goofy teenagers and had a crazy late night.
Read a book.
Listened to music, wrote in my journal, had a good breakfast.
Then finally went on Rookie this morning and read this article. This is what I’d call “serendipity.”
Thank you, Rookie, for publishing this at the perfect time, and thanks, Maria, for putting together the perfect compilation of advice and lovely photos.
I’ll be alright/just not tonight/but someday
This came at the perfect moment! The photos are so charming and soothing too; it’s all a delight!
I love the way pictures and text are combined, beautiful.
PS: This is my blog btw
Beautiful pics!! I’m currently having a mood swing right now so yeahhh… thank youu Maria :)
THIS is really important!!